Measuring the level of Radioactive contamination of selected samples of Sugar and Salt available in the local markets in Najaf governorate / Iraq

Abstract

Natural radioactivity has attracted a lot of attention in the world due to its crucial role in human safety. Sugar is compound, which is the generic name for sweet, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in food while salt is commonly used as a condiment and food preservative. Sugar and salt are very important for human beings, as well as their proven benefits to the general health of human beings. Therefore, the measurement of natural radioactivity is a critical because of its direct impact on human safety. In this research, quantification has been made of natural radionuclide concentrations using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometry. The analyses of samples reveal the mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and ℛaeq are found to 5.833±1.008, 5.922±0.721, 138.656±0.826, and 24.980(Bq.Kg−1), respectively. also, calculated Iα, Iγ and Hin the values were less than one, it was clear that the ratio of three nuclides concentrations were higher than internationally allowed limits. the estimated annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED) resulting with an average 86.321*10−3(mSv.y−1) where lower than globally limits. The data were statistically processed and Pearson’s factor with p–value were calculated for concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K with annual ingestion dose for these nuclides where correlations of 226Ra were more a high increase statistical significance, direct, and positive with other parameters. The consumption of sugar and salt for adult, children and infant, where found the maximum value of cancer risk (ELCR) 0.2421*10−3 in adult for consumption of sugar while the minimum value 0.0005*10−3in infant from consumption of salt, which is less than the global value 2.5*10−3 that assessed by the united nations scientific committee on the effects of atomic radiation to be due to food and water intake.